There are as many approaches to addiction therapy as there are individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Factors like co-occurring mental health concerns and past trauma can impact what therapies and services are most helpful as you work to recover from addiction. At A Better State, one of the most effective therapies we offer is dialectical behavior therapy. This form of therapy can be used to treat addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, like borderline personality disorder and eating disorders. Our dialectical behavior therapy program in New Hampshire is especially beneficial because it helps clients develop mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills.
If you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, dialectical behavior therapy may be the right treatment for you. Learn more by contacting A Better State today at 781.412.1488 or by reaching out to our team online.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
What is dialectical behavior therapy? Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a cognitive-behavioral approach that helps individuals learn how to manage difficult emotions and thoughts. It was developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., in the late 1980s as a treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder. DBT has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health concerns, including addiction.
It’s effective in treating addiction because it helps individuals develop the skills they need to manage difficult emotions and thoughts. Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on four main areas:
Mindfulness
Emotion Regulation
Interpersonal Skills
Distress Tolerance
What Can I Expect in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program?
If you’re considering enrolling in a dialectical behavior therapy program, you may be wondering what to expect. First, you’ll meet with a therapist to discuss your goals for treatment. You and your therapist will then develop a treatment plan that includes individual and group therapy as well as skills training.
DBT skills training is an important part of dialectical behavior therapy. Skills training groups help you learn and practice the skills you need to manage your emotions and thoughts, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, and tolerate distress.
You’ll also meet with a therapist for individual therapy sessions. These sessions provide you with an opportunity to discuss your progress in treatment, as well as any challenges you’re facing. Dialectical behavior therapy is a highly individualized approach, so the focus of your individual therapy sessions will be based on your unique needs and goals.
Some of the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy include:
- Improved mood and decreased suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Increased ability to regulate emotions
- Development of mindfulness skills
- Better communication skills
- Increased self-awareness
How DBT Fits into Our Addiction Treatment Programs
DBT is just one part of the comprehensive approach to addiction treatment at A Better State. While enrolled in our outpatient programs, clients can expect to participate in:
- Individual therapy sessions – You’ll meet with a therapist one-on-one to discuss your progress and any challenges you’re facing.
- Group therapy sessions – You’ll participate in group therapy sessions with other clients in the program. These sessions will focus on developing the skills you need to recover from addiction.
- Skills training – You’ll participate in skills training sessions to learn more about mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance.
- Family therapy – You’ll participate in family therapy sessions to help your loved ones understand your addiction and how to support your recovery.
- 12-step meetings – You’ll be encouraged to attend 12-step meetings as part of your treatment. This can provide support and accountability as you work to recover from addiction.
Learn More About DBT at A Better State
If you’re interested in learning more about how our dialectical behavior therapy program in New Hampshire can help you break free from the cycle of addiction, we encourage you to call the A Better State team at 781.412.1488. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about DBT and how it can be used to treat addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
